Lewes 0 Bognor 2

The Rocks are through to round three of the Setants Shield after a fantastic 2-0 win at Conference premier side Lewes.

Manager Mick Jenkins was delighted to see his rejuvenated side achieve a comprehensive win against Premier opponents to advance into the next round.

His three new signings contributed significantly to a tremendous battling performance and the victory came with the added bonus of prize money of 2,500 for the cash strapped Rocks.

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This was a superb all-round performance, from Chris Tardif's excellent penalty save to two superbly taken goals from Stefan Gaisie and Tom Clark.

The whole team played their hearts out and in truth controlled the game for long periods, and perhaps should have scored more to delight the Bognor faithful behind the goal.

In only the second minute Clark provided a preview of what was to come when he and Kane Wills combined well on the left wing only to see Clark's inviting cross scrambled away for a corner by a despairing Lewes defender.

Minutes later, Gaisie had a half chance following a goalmouth scramble, but his screwed shot on the turn spun narrowly wide with Rikki Banks well beaten.

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Bognor did not have long to wait for their opening goal. Lewes keeper Banks came racing out of his goal to cut out a long ball which had been played through on the right, only for Gaisie to outpace him and nick the ball from him.

Gaisie appeared to be too far out on the right to do much damage but with two defenders between him and the goal he controlled the ball well, and smashed it powerfully into the far corner of the net.

Bognor thoroughly deserved this lead and although Scott Taylor did have half a chance soon after for Lewes, the Rocks looked comfortable whenever they moved forward.

Clark was a revelation on the wing causing enormous problems for experienced Lewes captain Anthony Barness. His ability to win every ball in the air was also impressive given his lack of height.

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Gaisie came close to adding his second goal of the evening when only a foul by Barness stopped him going clean through on goal and shortly afterwards his lob over the keeper drifted agonisingly wide.

Lewes looked more composed in the second half, and for a while looked capable of getting back in the game. They were awarded a soft looking penalty after 60 minutes, but Tardif saved well from Taylor.

Barely a minute later Sam Pearce hooked the ball of the line when it seemed bound for the back of the net. Ex-Rock Sam Gargan should have scored for Lewes, but the home forward were generally controlled well by the resolute Bognor defence.

Just before the end Clark unleashed a tremendous shot from all of 25 yards which left Banks well beaten, but somehow cannoned back off the bar.

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He was not to be denied however, and two minutes from time wrapped things up with a clinically taken goal following a good move and pass from Reg Savage.

Bognor: Chris Tardif, Paul Hinshelwood, Kane Wills, Sam Pearce, Duncan Jupp, Gary McDonald, Tom Clarke, Danny Smith, Jordan Hughes, Steffan Gaisie (sub: Reg Savage), Carl Pettefer (sub: Louis Castles). Unused substitutes: Zak Attwood, Jamie Whisken, Matt Hartmann.

Report by SIMON COOK

Get all the reaction to the win in the Observer - out Thursday

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